Use of light-absorbing compounds in the information layer of optical data carriers, and optical data carriers

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a write-once optical data carrier in which organic and/or inorganic light-absorbing compounds are used as the information layer, especially for high-density optical data carriers which function with a blue laser in the wavelength range of 360-460 nm. The invention also relates to the application of the above-mentioned light-absorbing compound to a suitable substrate (especially polycarbonate), e.g. by spin coating.

[0001] The invention relates to the use of light-absorbent compounds in the information layer of write-once optical data carriers, to optical data carriers, and to a process for their production.

[0002] Write-once optical data carriers using organic and/or inorganic light-absorbent compounds or mixtures thereof are particularly suitable for use in high-density writeable optical data stores, for example with blue laser diodes, in particular GaN or SHG laser diodes (360-460 nm), and for use in DVD-R and CD-R disks, which operate with red (635-660 nm) or infrared (780-830 nm) laser diodes.

[0003] The write-once (recordable) compact disk (CD-R, 780 nm) has recently experienced enormous volume growth and represents the technically established system.

[0004] The next generation of optical data stores—DVDs—is currently being introduced onto the market. For the use of shorter-wave laser radiation (635-660 nm) and higher numerical aperture NA, the storage density can be increased. The writeable format in this case is DVD-R.

[0005] Today, optical data storage formats which use blue laser diodes (based on GaN, JP 08191171 or Second Harmonic Generation SHG JP 09050629) (360 nm-460 nm) with high laser power are being developed. Writeable optical data stores will therefore also be used in this generation. The achievable storage density depends on the focusing of the laser spot on the information plane. Spot size scales with the laser wavelength λ/NA. NA is the numerical aperture of the objective lens used. In order to obtain the highest possible storage density, the use of the smallest possible wavelength λ is the aim. At present, 390 nm is possible on the basis of semiconductor laser diodes.

[0006] The patent literature describes dye-based writeable optical data stores which are equally suitable for CD-R and DVD-R systems (JP-A 11 043 481 and JP-A 10 181 206). JP-A 02 557 335, JP-A 10 058 828, JP-A 06 336 086, JP-A 02 865 955, WO-A 09 917 284 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,699 use a working wavelength of 450 nm.

[0007] Other concepts are concerned with the writing of the information using a short-wave laser, with the information being read out using a long-wave laser (JP-A 06 295 469). However, correction of the optics for two laser wavelengths at the same time is difficult. The use of only one laser both for writing and for reading the information is thus the target.

[0008] JP-A 11 110815 describes a writeable optical disk which can be written at a wavelength of from 630 to 685 nm and can be read at wavelengths in the range from 630 to 685 or 400 to 550 nm. The disadvantage of the system is that it is not possible to write high-density information in the range from 400 to 500 nm. U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,882 describes the same principle for the wavelength ranges 600 to 700 nm for writing and reading and from 400 to 500 nm only for reading.

[0009] JP-A 07 304 257 and JP-A 11 334 207 describe porphyrin derivatives as dyes, JP-A 11 334 206 describes dicyanovinylphenyl compounds as dyes, JP-A 11 334 205 describes pyrazole-azo compounds as dyes, JP-A 11 334 204 describes pyridone-azo compounds as dyes, which are suitable for generating optical data stores which can be written using blue lasers.

[0010] The object of the invention is accordingly the provision of suitable compounds which satisfy the high requirements (such as light stability, favorable signal/noise ratio, damage-free application to the substrate material, and the like) for use in the information layer in a write-once optical data carrier, in particular for high-density writeable optical data store formats in a laser wavelength range from 360 to 460 nm.

[0011] Surprisingly, it has been found that specific light-absorbent compounds are highly suitable for the said purpose.

[0012] The invention therefore relates to the use of light-absorbent compounds in the information layer of write-once optical data carriers, where the UV absorber has an absorption maximum λ_(max1) of from 340 to 410 nm and the wavelength λ_(1/2), at which the absorbance on the long-wave edge of the absorption maximum of the wavelength λ_(max1) is half the absorbance value at λ_(max1), and the wavelength λ_(1/10), at which the absorbance on the long-wave edge of the absorption maximum of wavelength λ_(max1) is a tenth of the absorbance value at λ_(max1), i.e. λ_(1/2) and λ_(1/10) both jointly lie in the wavelength range from 370 to 460 nm.

[0013] The preferred wavelength ranges and the light-absorbent compounds here are given below under the optical data carriers, which are likewise in accordance with the invention, and likewise apply to the use according to the invention.

[0014] The absorption spectra are measured, for example, in solution.

[0015] The light-absorbent compounds described above guarantee sufficiently high reflectivity (>10%) of the optical data carrier in the unwritten state and sufficiently high absorption for thermal degradation of the information layer on point-wise illumination with focused light if the light wavelength is in the range from 360 to 460 nm. The contrast between the written and unwritten points on the data carrier is achieved by the reflectivity change of the amplitude and also the phase of the incident light through the changed optical properties of the information layer after the thermal degradation.

[0016] The invention furthermore relates to a write-once optical data carrier comprising a preferably transparent substrate to whose surface at least one light-writeable information layer, if desired a reflection layer and/or if desired a protective layer have been applied and which can be written and read by means of blue light, preferably laser light, where the information layer comprises a light-absorbent compound and, if desired, a binder, wetting agent, stabilizers, diluents and sensitizers and further constituents, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound has an absorption maximum λ_(max1) of from 340 to 410 nm and the wavelength λ_(1/2), at which the absorbance on the long-wave edge of the absorption maximum of the wavelength λ_(max1) is half the absorbance value at λ_(max1), and the wavelength λ_(1/10), at which the absorbance on the long-wave edge of the absorption maximum of the wavelength λ_(max1) is a tenth of the absorbance value at λ_(max1), are both jointly in the range from 370 to 460 nm.

[0017] Alternatively, the structure of the optical data carrier can:

[0018] comprise a preferably transparent substrate to whose surface at least one light-writeable information layer, if desired a reflection layer and if desired an adhesive layer and a further preferably transparent substrate have been applied.

[0019] comprise a preferably transparent substrate to whose surface if desired a reflection layer, at least one light-writeable information layer, if desired an adhesive layer and a transparent cover layer have been applied.

[0020] Preference is given to light-absorbent compounds having an absorption maximum λ_(max1) of from 345 to 400 nm and a range in which λ_(1/2) and λ_(1/10) lie of from 380 to 430 nm.

[0021] Particular preference is given to light-absorbent compounds having an absorption maximum λ_(max1) of from 350 to 380 nm and a range in which λ_(1/2) and λ_(1/10) lie of from 390 to 420 nm.

[0022] Very particular preference is given to compounds having an absorption maximum λ_(max1) of from 360 to 370 nm and a range in which λ_(1/2) and λ_(1/10) lie of from 400 to 410 nm.

[0023] The invention relates to a write-once optical data carrier, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound has no further absorption maximum λ_(max2) in the range from wavelengths greater than λ_(max1) to a wavelength of 500 nm.

[0024] Preference is given to light-absorbent compounds which have no further absorption maximum λ_(max2) in the range from wavelength greater than λ_(max1) to a wavelength of 550 nm.

[0025] Particular preference is given to light-absorbent compounds which have no further absorption maximum λ_(max2) in the range from wavelength greater than λ_(max1) to a wavelength of 600 nm.

[0026] The invention relates to a write-once optical data carrier, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound has further, preferably strong absorptions and absorption maxima in the range of wavelengths shorter than λ_(max1).

[0027] The invention relates to a write-once optical data carrier, characterized in that the molar absorption coefficient ε of the light-absorbent compound is >10 000 l/mol cm at the absorption maximum λ_(max1).

[0028] Preference is given to a write-once optical data carrier, characterized in that the molar absorption coefficient ε of the light-absorbent compound is >15 000 l/mol cm at the absorption maximum λ_(max1).

[0029] Particular preference is given to a write-once optical data carrier, characterized in that the molar absorption coefficient ε of the light-absorbent compound is >20 000 l/mol cm at the absorption maximum λ_(max1).

[0030] Very particular preference is given to a write-once optical data carrier, characterized in that the molar absorption coefficient ε of the light-absorbent compound is >25 000 l/mol cm at the absorption maximum λ_(max1).

[0031] The invention relates to the use of the light-absorbent compounds listed below in optical data carriers.

[0032] The invention relates to a write-once optical data carrier, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound is one of the following compounds:

[0033] in which

[0034] R¹⁰⁰ is hydrogen or C₁- to C₄-alkyl

[0035] x is an integer from 1 to 3 and where for x>1, the radicals may be different,

[0036] R¹⁰¹ is hydrogen, halogen, nitro, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, cyano, carboxyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl,

[0037] Y¹ and Y², independently of one another, are C—R¹⁰² and Y¹ or Y² may additionally be N,

[0038] R¹⁰² is hydrogen, C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, cyano, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆- alkoxycarbonyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkanoyl,

[0039] Het is benzothiazol-2-yl, benzoxazol-2-yl, benzimidazol-2-yl, thiazol-2-yl, 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 2- or 4-pyridyl, 2- or 4-quinolyl or 3,3-dimethylindolen-2-yl, each of which may be substituted by methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, chlorine, bromine, iodine, cyano, nitro, methoxycarbonyl, methylthio, dimethylamino, diethylamino or dipropylamino, and

[0040] each of which may optionally be quaternized on the nitrogen by alkyl or (C₂H₄O)_(n)H, where n=1-16, and contain alkylSO₃ ⁻, alkoxySO₃ ⁻ or halogen⁻ as counterion, or is furan-2- or -3-yl, thiophen-2- or -3-yl, pyrrol-2- or -3-yl, N-alkylpyrrol-2- or -3-yl, each of which may be substituted by methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, chlorine, cyano, nitro, methoxycarbonyl, methylthio, dimethylamino, diethylamino or dipropylamino and/or may be benzo-fused,

[0041] R¹⁰³ and R¹⁰⁴, independently of one another, are cyano, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkanoyl, or R¹⁰⁴ is hydrogen, CH₂—COOalkyl or P(O)(O—C₁- to C₁₂-alkyl)₂ or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl

[0042] A is a five- or six-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, which may be benzo-fused,

[0043] B is a five- or six-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, which may be benzo-fused,

[0044] R¹⁰⁵ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, cyano, nitro, carboxyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl,

[0045] R¹⁰⁶ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₄-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or cyano,

[0046] R¹⁰⁷ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, nitro, cyano or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl,

[0047] R¹⁰⁸ is hydrogen, nitro, cyano, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy,

[0048] R¹⁰⁹ and R¹¹⁰, independently of one another, are hydrogen, cyano, nitro, halogen, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkanoyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy,

[0049] R¹¹¹ is cyano, CH═CH—NR¹¹³R¹¹⁴,

[0050] X¹ is S or N—R¹⁰⁰,

[0051] ═Y³—Y⁴=is a direct double bond or is ═N—N═,

[0052] R¹¹² is hydrogen, anilino, N—C₁- to C₁₆-alkylanilino or N═CH—NR¹¹³R¹¹⁴ or R¹¹¹ and R¹¹² are ═C═C—NR¹¹³R¹¹⁴,

[0053] R¹¹³ and R¹¹⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0054] R¹¹⁵ and R¹¹⁶, independently of one another, are cyano, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, P(O)(O—C₁- to C₁₂-alkyl)₂ or C₁- to C₁₆-alkanoyl, or R¹¹⁵ and R¹¹⁶, together with the carbon atom connecting them, form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic, optionally benzo-fused five- or six-membered ring,

[0055] R¹¹⁷ and R¹¹⁸, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, cyano, SCOC₆- to C₁₀-aryl, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkanoyl or together are a —CH═CH—CH═CH— bridge,

[0056] where the alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heterocyclic radicals may optionally carry further radicals, such as alkyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, CO—NH₂, alkoxy, trialkylsilyl, trialkylsiloxy or phenyl, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, the alkyl radicals may be partially or perhalogenated, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be ethoxylated or propoxylated or silylated, adjacent alkyl and/or alkoxy radicals on aryl or heterocyclic radicals may jointly form a three- or four-membered bridge, and the heterocyclic radicals may be benzo-fused.

[0057] Suitable light-absorbent compounds are also:

[0058] in which

[0059] R²⁰⁰ is cyano, C₆- to C₁₀ aryl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl,

[0060] R²⁰¹ and R²⁰², independently of one another, are hydrogen, halogen, C₁- C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, or

[0061] R²⁰¹ and R²⁰², if they are in the o-position to one another, may form a three- or four-membered bridge, preferably such as —O—CH₂—O—, —O—CF₂—O—, —O—(CH₂)₂—O—, —O—(CH₂)₂—,

[0062] R²⁰³ and R²⁰⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen or C₁- to C₁₆alkyl,

[0063] R²⁰⁵ is C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, C₁ to C₁₆-mono- or dialkylamino, or

[0064] R²⁰⁵ is a divalent radical, such as —O(CH₂)_(n)—O—, —O(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)— or —O(CH₂(CHCH₃)O)_(n)— which connects two radicals of the formula (CCI) to one another,

[0065] n is an integer from 1 to 16, or

[0066] R²⁰⁰ and R²⁰⁵ together may form a three- or four-membered bridge, preferably such as —(CO)—(CH₂)₃—, —(CO)—CH₂—C(CH₃)₂—CH₂—, —(CO)—O—C(CH₃)₂—O— or —(CO)-o-C₆H₄—,

[0067] X is S or N—R²⁰⁶,

[0068] R²⁰⁶ and R²²⁷, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0069] R²⁰⁷ and R²⁰⁸, independently of one another, are hydroxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or C₆- to C₁₀-aryloxy,

[0070] R²⁰⁹ and R²¹⁰, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, C₁- to C₁₆-alkylthio, NR²¹⁷R²¹⁸, C₆- to C₁₆-aryloxy, cyano, CO—OR²¹⁷, CO—NR²¹⁷R²¹⁸, NR²¹⁸—CO—R²¹⁹, NR²¹⁸—SO₂—R²¹⁹, and

[0071] R²⁰⁹ is additionally hydrogen or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0072] R²¹¹ and R²¹², independently of one another, are hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or NR²¹⁸—CO—R²¹⁹,

[0073] Het is benzothiazol-2-yl, benzoxazol-2-yl, benzimidazol-2-yl, thiazol-2-yl, 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 2- or 4-pyridyl, 2- or 4-quinolyl, pyrrol-²- or -3-yl, thiophen-2- or -3-yl, furan-2- or -3-yl, indol-2- or -3-yl, benzothiophen-2-yl, benzofuran-2-yl or 3,3-dimethylindolen-2-yl, which may be substituted by methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, chlorine, cyano, nitro, methoxycarbonyl, methylthio, dimethylamino, diethylamino or dipropylamino,

[0074] Y, Y⁵ and Y⁶, independently of one another, are N or C—R²¹³,

[0075] R²¹³ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₄-alkyl, cyano, CO—R²¹⁹, CO—O—R²¹⁷ or CO—NR²¹⁷R²¹⁸,

[0076] R²¹⁴ and R²¹⁵, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, CO—R²¹⁹ or C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, or

[0077] NR²¹⁴R²¹⁵ is pyrrolidino, piperidino or morpholino,

[0078] R²¹⁶ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or NH—CO—R²¹⁹,

[0079] R²¹⁷ and R²¹⁸, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or C₆- to C₁₀-aryl,

[0080] R²¹⁹ is C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or C₆- to C₁₀-aryl,

[0081] R²²⁰ to R²²², independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to Cl₆-alkyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, where

[0082] R²²⁰ and R²²¹, if they are in the o-position to one another, may jointly form an —O—CH₂—O—, —O—CF₂—O—, —O—(CH₂)₂—O— or —O—(CH₂)₂— bridge,

[0083] R²²³ is hydrogen or hydroxyl,

[0084] R²²⁴ is hydrogen, halogen or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0085] R²²⁵ is hydrogen or halogen,

[0086] y is an integer from 1 to 4,

[0087] R²²⁶ is CHO, CN, CO—C₁- to C₈-alkyl, CO—C₆- to C₁₀-aryl or CH═C(CO—C₁- to C₈-alkyl)-CH₂—CO—C₁- to C₈-alkyl, and

[0088] R²⁴⁸ and R²⁴⁹, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or C₆- to C₁₀-aryl or together are a —CH═CH—CH═CH— or o-C₆H₄—CH═CH—CH═CH— bridge,

[0089] where the alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heterocyclic radicals may optionally carry further radicals, such as alkyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, CO—NH₂, alkoxy, trialkylsilyl, trialkylsiloxy or phenyl, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, the alkyl radicals may be partially or perhalogenated, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be ethoxylated or propoxylated or silylated, adjacent alkyl and/or alkoxy radicals on aryl or heterocyclic radicals may jointly form a three- or four-membered bridge, and the heterocyclic radicals may be benzo-fused.

[0090] Suitable light-absorbent compounds are also:

[0091] in which

[0092] R²²⁸ to R²³¹, independently of one another, are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl,

[0093] w is 1 or 2,

[0094] R²³² is hydrogen, cyano, CO—O—C₁-to C₄-alkyl, C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, thiophen-2-yl, pyrid-2- or 4-yl, pyrazol-1-yl or 1,2,4-triazol-1- or -4-yl,

[0095] R²³³ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, 1,2,3-triazol-2-yl or di-C₁- to C₁₆-alkylamino,

[0096] R²³⁴ and R²³⁵ are hydrogen or together are a —CH═CH—CH═CH— bridge,

[0097] R²³⁷ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or cyano,

[0098] R²³⁸ and R²³⁹, independently of one another, are hydrogen, halogen, CO—C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, SO₂—C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or SO₂—NH—C₁- to C₁₆-alkylA⁺An⁻,

[0099] A⁺ is N(C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl)₃ ⁺ or pyridinio,

[0100] R²⁴⁰, R²⁴¹ and R²⁴³, independently of one another, are hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or CO—O—C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, and

[0101] R²⁴⁰ and R²⁴¹ are additionally —CH₂—A⁺An⁻,

[0102] v is an integer from 1 to 3, where for v>1, the radicals may have different meanings,

[0103] D is —CH═CH—, thiophen-2,5-diyl, furan-2,5-diyl or p-phenylene,

[0104] Z is O, S or N—R²⁴⁴,

[0105] W s N or CH,

[0106] R²⁴² is hydrogen, cyano or CO—O—C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0107] z is 0 or 1,

[0108] R²⁴⁴ and R²⁴⁵, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0109] An⁻ is an anion,

[0110] Cat⁺ is Na⁺, Li⁺, NH₄ ⁺ or N(C₁- to C₁₂-alkyl)₄ ⁺,

[0111] E is CH, C—CN or N,

[0112] R²⁴⁶ and R²⁴⁷, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkylamino, C₁- to C₁₆-dialkylamino, anilino, morpholino, piperidino or pyrrolidino,

[0113] where the alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heterocyclic radicals may optionally carry further radicals, such as alkyl, halogen, hydroxyalkyl, nitro, cyano, CO—NH₂, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl, trialkylsiloxy or phenyl, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, the alkyl radicals may be partially or perhalogenated, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be ethoxylated or propoxylated or silylated, adjacent alkyl and/or alkoxy radicals on aryl or heterocyclic radicals may jointly form a three- or four-membered bridge, and the heterocyclic radicals may be benzo-fused.

[0114] Suitable light-absorbent compounds are also:

[0115] in which

[0116] R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹ and R³⁰³, independently of one another, are hydrogen or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0117] m is an integer from 0 to 10,

[0118] u is an integer from 1 to 3, where for u>1, the radicals may be different,

[0119] R³⁰² is hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0120] R³⁰⁴ is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, di-C₁-C₈-alkylamines, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0121] R³⁰⁵ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0122] R³⁰⁶ and R³⁰⁷, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, or NR³⁰⁶R³⁰⁷ is morpholino, piperidino or pyrrolidino,

[0123] R³⁰⁸ is C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, C₁- to C₁₆-alkylaminocarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-dialkylaminocarbonyl,

[0124] R³⁰⁹ to R³¹⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, carboxyl, cyano, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0125] R³¹⁵ and R³¹⁶, independently of one another, are carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or cyano, or R³¹⁵ and R³¹⁶, together with the carbon atom connecting them, form a 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring,

[0126] R³¹⁷ to R³²⁴, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, hydrogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, C₆- to C₁₀-aryloxy or cyano,

[0127] where

[0128] the alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heterocyclic radicals may optionally carry further radicals, such as alkyl, halogen, hydroxyalkyl, nitro, cyano, CO—NH₂, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl, trialkylsiloxy or phenyl, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, the alkyl radicals may be partially or perhalogenated, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be ethoxylated or propoxylated or silylated, adjacent alkyl and/or alkoxy radicals on aryl or heterocyclic radicals may jointly form a three- or four-membered bridge, and the heterocyclic radicals may be benzo-fused.

[0129] Suitable light-absorbent compounds are also:

[0130] in which

[0131] R⁴⁰⁰ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₂-alkyl or C₁- to C₁₂-alkoxy,

[0132] t is an integer from 1 to 3, where for t>1, the radicals may be different,

[0133] R⁴⁰¹ and R⁴⁰², independently of one another, are hydrogen or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0134] R⁴⁰³ is hydrogen, C₆- to C₁₀-aryl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0135] R⁴⁰⁴ and R⁴⁰⁵, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-akyl, C₆- to C₁₀-aryl or NR⁴⁰⁴R⁴⁰⁵ is morpholino, piperidino or pyrrolidino,

[0136] R⁴⁰⁶ is hydrogen, cyano, nitro, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl,

[0137] R⁴⁰⁷ and R⁴⁰⁸, independently of one another, are hydrogen or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl,

[0138] where

[0139] the alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heterocyclic radicals may optionally carry further radicals, such as alkyl, halogen, hydroxyalkyl, nitro, cyano, CO—NH₂, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, or phenyl, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, the alkyl radicals may be partially or perhalogenated, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be ethoxylated or propoxylated or silylated, adjacent alkyl and/or alkoxy radicals on aryl or heterocyclic radicals may jointly form a three- or four-membered bridge, and the heterocyclic radicals may be benzo-fused.

[0140] Preference is given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CI) to (CXIII),

[0141] in which

[0142] R¹⁰⁰ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or propyl

[0143] x is an integer from 1 to 2 and where for x>1, the radicals may be different,

[0144] R¹⁰¹ is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, nitro, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, phenoxy, cyano, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0145] Y¹ is N or C—R¹⁰²,

[0146] Y² is C—R¹⁰²,

[0147] R¹⁰² is hydrogen, phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl, chlorophenyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, benzyl, phenylpropyl, cyano, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, formyl, acetyl, propanoyl or butanoyl,

[0148] Het is benzothiazol-2-yl, benzoxazol-2-yl, benzimidazol-2-yl, thiazol-2-yl, 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 2- or 4-pyridyl, 2- or 4-quinolyl or 3,3-dimethylindolen-2-yl, each of which may optionally be quatemized on the nitrogen by alkyl or (C₂H₄O)_(n)H, where n=1-16, and contain alkylSO₃ ⁻, alkoxySO₃ ⁻ or halogen as counterion, or is furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, pyrrol-2-yl, N-methyl- or N-ethyl-pyrrol-2-yl, benzofuran-2-yl, benzothiophen-2-yl, indol-2- or -3-yl or N-methyl- or N-ethyl-indol-2- or 3-yl,

[0149] R¹⁰³ and R¹⁰⁴, independently of one another, are cyano, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, octanoyl, decanoyl, benzoyl or phenylacetyl, or R¹⁰⁴ is hydrogen, CH₂—COOmethyl, CH₂—COOethyl, CH₂—COOpropyl, CH₂—COObutyl, P(O)(O-methyl)₂, P(O)(O-ethyl)₂, P(O)(O-propyl)₂, P(O)(O-butyl)₂, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, —CH₂CH₂O—(CO)—CH═CH₂, benzyl or phenylpropyl,

[0150] A is (2-methyl-4H-oxazol-5-on)-4-ylidene, (2-styryl-4H-oxazol-5-on)-4-ylidene, (2-phenyl-4H-oxazol-5-on)-4-ylidene, (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dion)-5-ylidene, 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane- 1,3-dion-2-ylidene, 5-phenylcyclohexane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene, indane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene, pyrrolidino-2,3-dion-4-ylidene or furan-4-dimethylethylidene-2,5-dion-3-ylidene,

[0151] B is N-methyl-pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-methyl-benzopyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-methyl-3,4-dimethyl-pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-phenyl-pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, (5H)-furanon-2-ylidene, 4-methyl-(5H)-furanon-2-ylidene, (5H)-benzofuranon-2-ylidene, 3H-methyl-pyran-2,6-dion-4-ylidene, 3H-pyran-2,6-dion-3-ylidene or 3H-benzopyran-2,6-dion-3-ylidene,

[0152] R¹⁰⁵ is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, phenoxy, cyano, nitro, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0153] R¹⁰⁶ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxy-carbonyl, decoxycarbonyl or cyano,

[0154] R¹⁰⁷ is hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, phenoxy, nitro, cyano, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0155] R¹⁰⁸ is hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, phenoxy, nitro, cyano, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0156] R¹⁰⁹ and R¹¹⁰, independently of one another, are hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, octanoyl, decanoyl, benzoyl, phenylacetyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, phenoxy, nitro, cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl or decyl,

[0157] R¹¹¹ is cyano or CH═CH—NR¹¹³R¹¹⁴,

[0158] R¹¹² is hydrogen, anilino, N-methylanilino, N-ethylanilino, N-propylanilino, N-butylanilino, N-pentylanilino, N-hexylanilino, N-octylanilino, N-decylanilino or N-hydroxyethylanilino, where the anilino radical may be substituted by 1 to 3 radicals from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, chlorine, fluorine, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, nitro, cyano, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl and phenyl, or is N═CHNR¹¹³R¹¹⁴, or R¹¹¹ and R¹¹², together with the carbon atom connecting them, are ═C═C—NR¹¹³R¹¹⁴,

[0159] R¹¹³ and R¹¹⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl or decyl,

[0160] X¹ is S,

[0161] ═Y³—Y⁴=is a direct double bond,

[0162] R¹¹⁵ and R¹¹⁶, independently of one another, are cyano, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxy-carbonyl, octoxycarbonyl, decoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, P(O)(O-methyl)₂, P(O)(O-ethyl)₂, P(O)(O-propyl)₂, P(O)(O-butyl)₂, P(O)(O-pentyl)₂, formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, octanoyl, decanoyl, benzoyl, phenylacetyl, or R¹¹⁵ and R¹¹⁶, together with the carbon atom connecting them, are (2-methyl-4H-oxazol-5-on)-4-ylidene, (2-styryl-4H-oxazol-5-on)-4-ylidene, (2-phenyl-4H-oxazol-5-on)-4-ylidene, (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dion)-5-ylidene, pyrrolidino-2,3-dion-4-ylidene, furan-4-dimethylethylidene-2,5-dion-3-ylidene, N-methylpyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-methyl-benzopyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-methyl-3,4-dimethyl-pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-phenyl-pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, (5H)-furanon-2-ylidene, 4-methyl-(5H)-furanon-2-ylidene, (5H)-benzofuranon-2-ylidene, 3H-4-methylpyran-2,6-dion-3-ylidene, 3H-pyran-2,6-dion-3-ylidene, 5,5-dimethylcyclohexan-1,3-dion-2-ylidene, 5-phenylcyclohexane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene, indane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene or 3H-benzopyran-2,6-dion-3-ylidene,

[0163] R¹¹⁷ and R¹¹⁸, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl, phenylpropyl, cyano, SCOphenyl, SCOtolyl, SCOmethoxyphenyl, SCOchlorophenyl, carboxyl, formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, octanoyl, decanoyl, benzoyl, phenylacetyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0164] where the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, for example n-butyl, 2-butyl or tert-butyl, and may be partially or perfluorinated.

[0165] Particular preference is given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CI) to (CXIII),

[0166] in which

[0167] R¹⁰⁰ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or propyl

[0168] x is an integer from 1 to 2 and where for x>1, the radicals may be different,

[0169] R¹⁰¹ is hydrogen, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, nitro, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, cyano, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0170] Y¹ and Y², independently of one another, are C—R¹⁰²,

[0171] R¹⁰² is hydrogen, phenyl, methyl, ethyl, cyano, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl or propoxycarbonyl,

[0172] Het is benzothiazol-2-yl, benzoxazol-2-yl, benzimidazol-2-yl, thiazol-2-yl, 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 2- or 4-pyridyl, 2- or 4-quinolyl, 3,3-dimethylindolen-2-yl, furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, pyrrol-2-yl or N-alkyl-pyrrol-2-yl,

[0173] R¹⁰³ and R¹⁰⁴, independently of one another, are cyano, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl, formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, octanoyl, decanoyl, or R¹⁰⁴ is CH₂—COO—methyl, CH₂—COO-ethyl, CH₂—COO-propyl, CH₂—COO-butyl, P(O)(O-methyl)₂, P(O)(O-ethyl)₂, P(O)(O-propyl)2, P(O)(O-butyl)₂ or hydrogen

[0174] A is (2-methyl-4H-oxazol-5-on)-4-ylidene, (2-phenyl-4H-oxazol-5-on)-4-ylidene, (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dion)-5-ylidene, 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene, 5-phenylcyclohexane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene, indane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene or pyrrolidino-2,3-dion-4-ylidene,

[0175] B is N-methylpyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-methyl-benzopyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-methyl-3,4-dimethyl-pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-phenylopyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, (5H)-furanon-2-ylidene, 4-methyl-(5H)-furanon-2-ylidene, (5H)-benzfuranon-2-ylidene, 3H-4-methylopyran-2,6-dion-3-ylidene, 3H-pyran-2,6-dion-3-ylidene or 3H-benzopyran-2,6-dion-3-ylidene,

[0176] R¹⁰⁵ is hydrogen, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, cyano, nitro, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0177] R¹⁰⁶ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl,

[0178] R¹⁰⁷ is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, methoxyethoxy, nitro, cyano methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl or butoxycarbonyl,

[0179] R¹⁰⁸ is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, nitro, cyano methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0180] R¹⁰⁹ hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, acetyl, propionyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, methoxyethoxy, nitro or cyano,

[0181] R¹¹⁰ is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, acetyl, propionyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, nitro or cyano,

[0182] R¹¹¹ is cyano,

[0183] R¹¹² is anilino, N-methylanilino, N-ethylanilino, N-propylanilino, N-butylanilino, N-pentylanilino, N-hexylanilino, N-octylanilino, N-decylanilino or N-hydroxyethylanilino, where the anilino radical may be substituted by methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, chlorine, nitro, cyano or methoxycarbonyl,

[0184] X¹ is S,

[0185] ═Y³—Y⁴=is a direct double bond,

[0186] R¹¹⁵ and R¹¹⁶, independently of one another, are cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, P(O)(O-methyl)₂, P(O)(O-ethyl)₂, P(O)(O-propyl)2, P(O)(O-butyl)₂, P(O)(O-pentyl)₂, acetyl, propionyl or butanoyl, or R¹¹⁵ and R¹¹⁶, together with the carbon atom connecting them, are (2-methyl-4H-oxazol-5-on)-4-ylidene, (2-phenyl-4H-oxazol-5-on)-4-ylidene, (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dion)-5-ylidene, pyrrolidino-2,3-dion-4-ylidene, N-methyl-pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-methylbenzo-pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-methyl-3,4-dimethyl-pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, N-phenyl-pyrrolin-2-on-3-ylidene, (5H)-furanon-2-ylidene, 4-methyl-(5H)-furanon-2-ylidene, (5H)-benzofuranon-2-yliden, 3H-4-methyl-pyran-2,6-dion-3-ylidene, 3H-pyran-2,6-dion-3-yliden, 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene, 5-phenylcyclohexane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene, indane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene or 3H-benzopyran-2,6-dion-3-ylidene,

[0187] R¹¹⁷ and R¹¹⁸, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, cyano, SCO-phenyl, SCO-tolyl, SCO-methoxyphenyl, SCO-chlorophenyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl or butoxycarbonyl.

[0188] Very particular preference is given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CI), (CII), (CIII), (CIV), (CVIII), (CXI), (CXII) and (CXIII).

[0189] Preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CCI) to (CCVIII),

[0190] in which

[0191] R²⁰⁰ is cyano, phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl, chlorophenyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl or butoxycarbonyl,

[0192] R²⁰¹ and R²⁰², independently of one another, are hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy or butoxy, or

[0193] R²⁰¹ and R²⁰², if they are in the o-position to one another, form an —O—CH₂—O— or —O—CF₂—O— bridge,

[0194] R²⁰³ and R²⁰⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl,

[0195] R²⁰⁵ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl, phenylpropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy or benzyloxy,

[0196] X is S or N—R²⁰⁶,

[0197] R²⁰⁶ and R²²⁷, independently of one another, are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl or octyl,

[0198] R²⁰⁷ and R²⁰⁸, independently of one another, are hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, benzyloxy or phenoxy,

[0199] R²⁰⁹ and R²¹⁰, independently of one another, are methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, hexoxy, methoxyethoxy, methylthio, ethylthio, amino, NR²¹⁷R²¹⁸, phenoxy, cyano, CO—OR²¹⁷, CO—NR²¹⁷R²¹⁸, NR²¹⁸—CO—R²¹⁹ or NR²¹⁸—SO₂—R²¹⁹, and

[0200] R²⁰⁹ is additionally hydrogen, methyl, hydroxyethoxy, —OCH₂CH₂—O—(CO)—CH═CH₂, —O—(CH₂)₄—O—(CO)—C(CH₃)═CH₂ or —NH—(CO)—C₆H₄—O—CH₂CH₂—O—(CO)—CH═CH₂,

[0201] R²¹¹ and R²¹², independently of one another, are hydrogen, chlorine, methyl, ethyl, methoxy or ethoxy,

[0202] Het is benzothiazol-2-yl, benzoxazol-2-yl or 2- or 4-pyridyl,

[0203] Y is C—R²¹³,

[0204] Y⁵ and Y⁶ are N,

[0205] R²¹³ is hydrogen, cyano, CO—R²¹⁹, CO—O—R²¹⁷ or CO—NR²¹⁷R²¹⁸,

[0206] R²¹⁴ and R²¹⁵, independently of one another, are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl, methoxyethyl, hydroxyethyl, cyanethyl, benzyl, phenethyl, phenylpropyl, phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl, chlorophenyl or CO—R²¹⁹,

[0207] NR²¹⁴R²¹⁵ is pyrrolidino, piperidino or morpholino,

[0208] R²¹⁶ is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy or NH—CO—R²¹⁹,

[0209] R²¹⁷ and R²¹⁸, independently of one another, are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl, benzyl, phenethyl, phenylpropyl, phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl or chlorophenyl, and

[0210] R²¹⁸ is additionally hydrogen,

[0211] R²¹⁹ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl or phenyl,

[0212] R²²⁰ and R²²¹, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy or butoxy,

[0213] R²²² and R²²⁴ are hydrogen,

[0214] R²²³ is hydrogen or hydroxyl,

[0215] R²²⁵ is hydrogen, chlorine or bromine,

[0216] y is 4, and

[0217] R²²⁶ is CHO or CN,

[0218] R²²⁷ is butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl or octyl,

[0219] R²⁴⁸ is methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl,

[0220] R²⁴⁹ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl or phenyl, or

[0221] R²⁴⁸ and R²⁴⁹ together are an o-C₆H₄—CH═CH—CH═CH— bridge,

[0222] where the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, for example n-butyl, 2-butyl or tert-butyl, and may be partially or perfluoriert.

[0223] Particular preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CCI) to (CCVIII),

[0224] in which

[0225] R²⁰⁰ is cyano,

[0226] R²⁰¹ and R²⁰² are methoxy,

[0227] R²⁰³ and R²⁰⁴ are methyl,

[0228] R²⁰⁵ is propyl, butyl, pentyl, propoxy, butoxy or pentoxy,

[0229] X is N-(2-ethyl-1-hexyl),

[0230] R²⁰⁷ and R²⁰⁸ are hydroxyl,

[0231] R²⁰⁹ and R²¹⁰ are identical and are methoxy, ethoxy, amino, NH-methyl, NH-ethyl, dimethylamino, diethylamino, cyano, CO—O-methyl, CO—O-n-butyl, CO—NH—n-butyl, CO—NH-phenyl, NH—CO-n-butyl, NH—CO-tert-butyl or NH—CO-phenyl,

[0232] R²¹¹ and R²¹², independently of one another, are hydrogen or methyl,

[0233] Het is benzothiazol-2-yl or 4-pyridyl,

[0234] Y is C—R²¹³,

[0235] Y⁵ and Y⁶ are N,

[0236] R²¹³ is hydrogen, cyano, CO—NH₂, acetyl or CO—O-methyl,

[0237] R²¹⁴ and R²¹⁵, independently of one another, are methyl, ethyl, butyl, cyanoethyl, benzyl, phenyl or acetyl,

[0238] R²¹⁶ is hydrogen, methyl or methoxy,

[0239] R²²⁰ and R²²¹, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl,

[0240] R²²² and R²²⁴ are hydrogen,

[0241] R²²³ is hydrogen,

[0242] R²²⁵ is hydrogen,

[0243] y is4,

[0244] R²²⁶ is CHO,

[0245] R²⁴⁸ is methyl,

[0246] R²⁴⁹ is ethyl or phenyl or

[0247] R²⁴⁸ and R²⁴⁹ together are an o-C₆H₄—CH═CH—CH═CH— bridge.

[0248] Very particular preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CCI), (CCV), (CCVI) and (CCVIII).

[0249] Preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CCIX) to (CCXVIII),

[0250] in which

[0251] R²²⁸ to R²³¹, independently of one another, are chlorine or cyano,

[0252] where two of these radicals may also be hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0253] w is 1,

[0254] R²³² is phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl, pyrazol-1-yl, 4-chloropyrazol-2-yl or 1,2,4-triazol-1- or -4-yl,

[0255] R²³³ is hydrogen, methoxy, ethoxy, 4-phenyl-5-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl, 4-ethyl-5-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl, dimethylamino or diethylamino,

[0256] R²³⁴ and R²³⁵ are hydrogen or together are a —CH═CH—CH═CH— bridge,

[0257] R²³⁷ and R²⁴³ are hydrogen,

[0258] R²³⁸ and R²³⁹, independently of one another, are chlorine, acetyl, propionyl, methylsulphonyl or SO₂—NH—(CH₂)₃—N(CH₃)₃ ⁺An⁻,

[0259] R²⁴⁰ and R²⁴¹, independently of one another, are hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl,

[0260] v is is 1 or 2,

[0261] Z is O or N—R²⁴⁴,

[0262] D is —CH═CH—, 1,4-phenylene, thiophene-2,5-diyl or furan-2,5-diyl,

[0263] R²⁴² is hydrogen, cyano or CO—O-methyl, -ethyl, -propyl or -butyl,

[0264] z is 0 or 1, and

[0265] W is N or CH,

[0266] R²⁴⁴ and R²⁴⁵, independently of one another, are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl,

[0267] An⁻ is an anion,

[0268] cat⁺ is Na⁺, Li⁺, NH₄ ⁺ or N(methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxypropyl)₄ ⁺,

[0269] E is CH or N,

[0270] R²⁴⁶ and R²⁴⁷, independently of one another, are (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxypropyl)-amino, di(methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxypropyl)-amino, anilino, sulphoanilino, morpholino, piperidino or pyrrolidino,

[0271] where the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, for example n-butyl, 2-butyl or tert-butyl, and may be partially or perfluorinated.

[0272] Particular preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CCIX) to (CCXVIII),

[0273] in which

[0274] R²²⁸ and R²²⁹, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, methoxyethoxy, phenoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl or propoxycarbonyl,

[0275] R²³⁰ and R²³¹ are cyano,

[0276] w is 1,

[0277] R²³² is phenyl or 4-chloro-pyrazol-1-yl,

[0278] R²³³ is methoxy, 4-phenyl-5-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl, 4-ethyl-5-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl, dimethylamino or diethylamino,

[0279] R²³⁴ and R²³⁵ are hydrogen,

[0280] R²³⁷ and R²⁴³ are hydrogen,

[0281] R²³⁸ is SO₂—NH—(CH₂)₃—N(CH₃)₃ ⁺An⁻,

[0282] R²³⁹ is chlorine or bromine,

[0283] R²⁴⁰ and R²⁴¹ are identical and are hydrogen, methyl or tert-butyl,

[0284] Z is O,

[0285] D is —CH═CH— or thiophene-2,5-diyl,

[0286] R²⁴² is CO—O-methyl, -ethyl or -butyl, and

[0287] z is 0,

[0288] W is N or CH,

[0289] R²⁴⁴ and R²⁴⁵, independently of one another, are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl,

[0290] An⁻ is an anion,

[0291] cat⁺ is Na⁺, Li⁺, NH₄ ⁺ or N(methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl )₄ ⁺,

[0292] E is CH or N,

[0293] R²⁴⁶ and R²⁴⁷, independently of one another, are (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxypropyl)-amino, di(methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxypropyl)-amino, anilino, morpholino, piperidino or pyrrolidino.

[0294] Very particular preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CCIX), (CCX), (CCXII) and (CCXVII).

[0295] Preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CCCI) to (CCCXV)

[0296] in which

[0297] R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹ and R³⁰³, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl,

[0298] m is an integer from 0 to 5,

[0299] u is an integer from 1 to 2, where for u>1, the radicals may be different,

[0300] R³⁰² is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0301] R³⁰⁴ is hydrogen, chlorine, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, dimethylamino, diethylamino, dipropylamino, dibutylamino, N-methyl-N-cyanoethylamino, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0302] R³⁰⁵ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, methoxyethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl or butoxycarbonyl,

[0303] R³⁰⁶ and R³⁰⁷, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl, phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl or chlorophenyl,

[0304] R³⁰⁸ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl, decoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl)-aminocarbonyl or di-(methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl)-aminocarbonyl,

[0305] R³⁰⁹ to R³¹⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen, phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl or chlorophenyl, carboxyl, cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0306] R³¹⁵ and R³¹⁶, independently of one another, are carboxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl, decoxycarbonyl or cyano, or R³¹⁵ and R³¹⁶, together with the carbon atom connecting them, are 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene, 5-phenylcyclohexane-1,3-dion-2-ylidene or 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dion-5-ylidene,

[0307] R³¹⁷ to R³²⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, phenoxy, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl, decoxycarbonyl or cyano,

[0308] where the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, for example n-butyl, 2-butyl or tert-butyl, and may be partially or perfluorinated.

[0309] Particular preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CCCI) to (CCCXV),

[0310] in which

[0311] R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹ and R³⁰³, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxypropyl,

[0312] m is an integer from 3 to 5,

[0313] u is 1,

[0314] R³⁰² is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl or butoxycarbonyl,

[0315] R³⁰⁴ is hydrogen, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, methoxyethoxy, dimethylamino, diethylamino, N-methyl-N-cyanoethylamino, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl or hexoxycarbonyl,

[0316] R³⁰⁵ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, methoxyethoxy, phenoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl or butoxycarbonyl,

[0317] R³⁰⁶ and R³⁰⁷, independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl or phenyl,

[0318] R³⁰⁸ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, methoxyethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxypropyl)-amino-carbonyl or di-(methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxypropyl)-aminocarbonyl,

[0319] R³⁰⁹ to R³¹⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen, phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl, cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, methoxyethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl or hexoxycarbonyl, and where at least 2 of these radicals are hydrogen,

[0320] R³¹⁵ and R³¹⁶, independently of one another, are methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl or cyano,

[0321] R³¹⁷ to R³²⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen, hydroxyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, phenoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl or cyano, and where at least 4 radicals are hydrogen and at least one of the radicals R³¹⁸ and R³¹² is methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy or phenoxy.

[0322] Very particular preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CCCI) to (CCCIV), (CCCXI) and (CCCIX).

[0323] Preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CDI) to (CDXIX)

[0324] in which

[0325] R⁴⁰⁰ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy or methoxyethoxy,

[0326] t is an integer from 1 to 2, where for t>1, the radicals may be different,

[0327] R⁴⁰¹ and R⁴⁰², independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl,

[0328] R⁴⁰³ is hydrogen, phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl,

[0329] R⁴⁰⁴ and R⁴⁰⁵, independently of one another, are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl, phenylpropyl, phenyl, tolyl or methoxyphenyl, or NR⁴⁰⁴R⁴⁰⁵ is morpholino, piperidino or pyrrolidino,

[0330] R⁴⁰⁶ is hydrogen, cyano, nitro, carboxyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, octoxy, decoxy, methoxyethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, octoxycarbonyl or decoxycarbonyl,

[0331] R⁴⁰⁷ and R⁴⁰⁸, independently of one another, are hydrogen methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl,

[0332] where the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, for example n-butyl, 2-butyl or tert-butyl, and may be partially or perfluorinated.

[0333] Particular preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CDI) to (CDXIX)

[0334] in which

[0335] R⁴⁰⁰ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy or methoxyethoxy,

[0336] t is 1,

[0337] R⁴⁰¹ and R⁴⁰², independently of one another, are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxypropyl,

[0338] R⁴⁰³ is hydrogen, phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl or ethoxypropyl,

[0339] R⁴⁰⁴ and R⁴⁰⁵, independently of one another, are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenyl,

[0340] R⁴⁰⁶ is hydrogen, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy, methoxyethoxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl or hexoxycarbonyl,

[0341] R⁴⁰⁷ and R⁴⁰⁸, independently of one another, are hydrogen methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxypropyl, benzyl or phenylpropyl.

[0342] Very particular preference is likewise given to light-absorbent compounds of the formulae (CDI), (CDVI), (CDVII), (CDVIII), (CDXII) and (CDXVII).

[0343] Mixtures of the abovementioned light-absorbent compounds can likewise be employed, for example in order to adapt the spectral properties and/or in particular in order to optimize the film-forming properties.

[0344] For example, a mixture comprising 75% of the compound of the formula

[0345] and 25% of the compound of the formula

[0346] gives a more amorphous film than that of the two components individually.

[0347] For example, a mixture comprising 50% of the compound of the formula

[0348] and 50% of the compound of the formula

[0349] gives a more stable amorphous film than the individual components.

[0350] The write-once optical data carriers according to the invention can be produced, for example, by spin coating of the light-absorbent compounds themselves or in combination with other light-absorbent compounds or with suitable solvents onto a transparent substrate. The substrate may have already been provided in advance with a reflection layer produced by sputtering or vapor deposition. For the coating, the light-absorbent compound is preferably dissolved in a suitable solvent or solvent mixture, with or without additives, so that the light-absorbent compound makes up 100 or less parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of solvent. This primary solution can subsequently be diluted with a further suitable solvent, so that the light-absorbent compound makes up 20 or less parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of solvent. The writeable information layer is then, if desired, metallized, either under reduced pressure by sputtering or vapor deposition and subsequently provided with a protective lacquer or instead of a protective lacquer, is bonded to a second substrate or, if desired, to an interlayer and a cover layer.

[0351] For example, 3 parts of the compound of the formula

[0352] and 3 parts of the compound of the formula

[0353] were dissolved in 94 parts of 1-butanol at room temperature. The solution was applied by spin coating to a polycarbonate substrate disk with a thickness of 1.2 nm and a radius of 60 mm, and formed an amorphous film thereon. The layer was then metallized by vapor-deposition of a silver layer with a thickness of 50 nm.

EXAMPLES

[0354] λ_(max1) λ_(1/2) λ_(1/10) ε

387 in toluene 420 443 28038

388 in toluene 423 444

383 in toluene 410 435

395 in toluene 425 457 34480

346 in methylene chloride 385 410

373 in methylene chloride 404 425

371 in dioxane 404 423 12830

355 in dioxane 387 409 16700

386 in dimethyl- formamide 422 478

374 in dimethyl- formamide 407 453 32290

373 in dimethyl- formamide 405 440 32370

344 in dimethyl- formamide 363 375 22960

363/376 in dioxane 390* 399* 25200

372 in dioxane 399 411 22330

342/360 in dioxane 366* 371* 24067

346 in methanol 384 407

347 in methanol 387 407

356/373 in dimethyl- formamide 381 387* 32600

345 in dimethyl- formamide 367 380 31300

360 in dimethyl- formamide 387 394 40160

362 in dimethyl- formamide 388 400 43560

367 in dimethyl- formamide 392 404 46806

361 in dimethyl- formamide 390 408 33504

375 in methanol 386 393

365 in methanol 390 405 39340

355 in dioxane 380 396 24880

356 in dioxane 383 402

347 in dioxane 372 388 23360

370 in dioxane 400 419 21720

360 in dioxane 390 409

370 in dioxane 399 420 28200

371 in dioxane 401 421

363 in dioxane 383 394

354 in dioxane 378 392

349 in dioxane 377 395

341 in dioxane 369 384 20905

361 in dioxane 386 401 29680

343 in dioxane 374 395

355 in dioxane 383 403

363 in dioxane 390 400 28256

363 in dioxane 372 382

349 in dioxane 389 422

355 in dioxane 361 365 45450

368 in dioxane 392 400 31770

342 in dioxane 374 405 287800

358 in dioxane 387 407 21710

372 in dioxane 400 420 31440

[0355] The information layer may, besides the light-absorbent compound, also comprise binders, wetting agents, stabilizers, diluents and stabilizers as well as further constituents.

[0356] The substrates may have been produced from optically transparent plastics which, if necessary, have been subjected to surface treatments. Preferred plastics are polycarbonates and polyacrylates, and polycycloolefins or polyolefins. The light-absorbent compound can, in low concentration, also be employed for the protection of the polymer substrate and for light stabilization thereof.

[0357] The reflection layer can be produced from any metal or metal alloy which is usually used for writeable optical data carriers. Suitable metals or metal alloys can be applied by vapor deposition and sputtering and comprise, for example, gold, silver, copper, aluminum and alloys thereof, with one another or with other metals.

[0358] The protective lacquer over the reflection layer can consist of UV-curing acrylates.

[0359] An interlayer which protects the reflection layer against oxidation may likewise be present.

[0360] Mixtures of the abovementioned light-absorbent compounds can likewise be employed.

[0361] The invention furthermore relates to a process for the production of the optical data carriers according to the invention, which is characterized in that a preferably transparent substrate which has, if desired, been provided in advance with a reflection layer, is coated with the light-absorbent compound in combination with suitable binders and, if desired, suitable solvents, and, if desired, provided with a reflection layer, further interlayers and, if desired, a protective layer or a further substrate or a cover layer.

[0362] Coating of the substrate with the light-absorbing compound, if desired in combination with dyes, binders and/or solvents, is preferably carried out by spin coating.

[0363] For the coating, the light-absorbent compound is preferably dissolved in a suitable solvent or solvent mixture, with or without additives, so that the UV absorber makes up 100 or less, for example from 10 to 2 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of solvent. The writeable information layer is then preferably metallized under reduced pressure by sputtering or vapor deposition (reflection layer) and possibly subsequently provided with a protective lacquer (protective layer) or a further substrate or a cover layer. Multilayer arrangements with partially transparent reflection layer are also possible.

[0364] Solvents or solvent mixtures for the coating of the light-absorbent compounds or their mixtures with additives and/or binders are selected firstly on the basis of their dissolution capacity for the light-absorbent compound and the other additives, and secondly on the basis of minimum effect on the substrate. Suitable solvents which have a low effect on the substrate are, for example, alcohols, ethers, hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, Cellosolve and ketones. Examples of such solvents are methanol, ethanol, propanol, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol, butanol, diacetone alcohol, benzyl alcohol, tetrachloroethane, dichloromethane, diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, dibutyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, methylcellosolve, ethylcellosolve, 1-methyl-2-propanol, methyl ethyl ketone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, hexane, cyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, octane, benzene, toluene and xylene. Preferred solvents are hydrocarbons and alcohols, since they exert the least influence on the substrate.

[0365] Suitable additives for the writeable information layer are stabilizers, wetting agents, binders, diluents and sensitizers. 

1) optical data carrier comprising a preferably transparent substrate, which has optionally already been coated with a reflection layer and to whose surface a light-writeable information layer, if desired a reflection layer and/or if desired a protective layer or a further substrate or a cover layer have been applied and which can be written and read by means of blue light, preferably laser light, where the information layer comprises a light-absorbent compound and, if desired, a binder, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound has an absorption maximum λ_(max1) of from 340 to 410 nm and the wavelength λ_(1/2), at which the absorbance on the long-wave edge of the absorption maximum of the wavelength λ_(max1) is half the absorbance value at λ_(max1), and the wavelength λ_(1/10), at which the absorbance on the long-wave edge of the absorption maximum of the wavelength λ_(max1) is a tenth of the absorbance value at λ_(max1), are both jointly in the range from 370 to 460 nm. 2) Optical data carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound has no further absorption maximum λ_(max2) in the region of wavelengths longer than λ_(max1) to a wavelength of 500 nm. 3) Optical data carrier according to one or both of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound has further, preferably strong absorptions and absorption maxima in the region of wavelengths shorter than λ_(max1). 4) Optical data carrier according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the molar absorption coefficient ε of the light-absorbent claim is >10 000 l/mol cm at the absorption maximum λ_(max1). 5) Optical data carrier according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound is one of the following compounds:

in which R¹⁰⁰ is hydrogen or C₁- to C₄-alkyl x is an integer from 1 to 3 and where for x>1, the radicals may be different, R¹⁰¹ is hydrogen, halogen, nitro, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, cyano, carboxyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, Y¹ and Y², independently of one another, are C—R¹⁰² and Y¹ or Y² may additionally be N, R¹⁰² is hydrogen, C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, cyano, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkanoyl, Het is benzothiazol-2-yl, benzoxazol-2-yl, benzimidazol-2-yl, thiazol-2-yl, 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 2- or 4-pyridyl, 2- or 4-quinolyl or 3,3-dimethylindolen-2-yl, each of which may be substituted by methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, chlorine, bromine, iodine, cyano, nitro, methoxycarbonyl, methylthio, dimethylamino, diethylamino or dipropylamino, and each of which may optionally be quaternized on the nitrogen by alkyl or (C₂H₄O)_(n)H, where n=1-16, and contain alkylSO₃ ⁻, alkoxySO₃ ⁻ or halogen as counterion, or is furan-2- or -3-yl, thiophen-2- or -3-yl, pyrrol-2- or -³-yl, N-alkylpyrrol-2- or -3-yl, each of which may be substituted by methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, chlorine, cyano, nitro, methoxycarbonyl, methylthio, dimethylamino, diethylamino or dipropylamino and/or may be benzo-fused, R¹⁰³ and R¹⁰⁴, independently of one another, are cyano, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkanoyl, or R¹⁰⁴ is hydrogen, CH₂—COOalkyl or P(O)(O-C₁- to C₁₂-alkyl)₂ or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl A is a five- or six-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, which may be benzo-fused, B is a five- or six-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, which may be benzo-fused, R¹⁰⁵ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, cyano, nitro, carboxyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, R¹⁰⁶ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₄-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or cyano, R¹⁰⁷ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, nitro, cyano or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, R¹⁰⁸ is hydrogen, nitro, cyano, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, R¹⁰⁹ and R¹¹⁰, independently of one another, are hydrogen, cyano, nitro, halogen, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkanoyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, R¹¹¹ is cyano, CH═CH—NR¹¹³R¹¹⁴, R¹¹² is hydrogen, anilino, N—C₁- to C₁₆-alkylanilino or N═CH—NR¹¹³R¹¹⁴ or R¹¹¹ and R¹¹² are ═C═C—NR¹¹³R¹¹⁴, R¹¹³ and R¹¹⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, X¹ is S or N—R¹⁰⁰, ═Y³—Y⁴=is a direct double bond or is ═N—N═, R¹¹⁵ and R¹¹⁶, independently of one another, are cyano, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, P(O)(O—C₁- to C₁₂-alkyl)₂ or C₁- to C₁₆-alkanoyl, or R¹¹⁵ and R¹¹⁶, together with the carbon atom connecting them, form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic, optionally benzo-fused five- or six-membered ring, R¹¹⁷ and R¹¹⁸, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, cyano, SCOC₆- to C₁₀-aryl, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkanoyl or together are a —CH═CH—CH═CH— bridge, where the alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heterocyclic radicals may optionally carry further radicals, such as alkyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, CO—NH₂, alkoxy, trialkylsilyl, trialkylsiloxy or phenyl, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, the alkyl radicals may be partially or perhalogenated, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be ethoxylated or propoxylated or silylated, adjacent alkyl and/or alkoxy radicals on aryl or heterocyclic radicals may jointly form a three- or four-membered bridge, and the heterocyclic radicals may be benzo-fused. 6) Optical data carrier according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound is one of the following compounds:

in which R²⁰⁰ is cyano, C₆- to C₁₀ aryl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, R²⁰¹ and R²⁰², independently of one another, are hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, or R²⁰¹ and R²⁰², if they are in the o-position to one another, may form a three- or four-membered bridge, preferably such as —O—CH₂—O—, —O—CF₂—O—, —O—(CH₂)₂—O—, —O—(CH₂)₂—, R²⁰³ and R²⁰⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, R²⁰⁵ is C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, C₁ to C₁₆-mono- or dialkylamino, or R²⁰⁵ is a divalent radical, such as —O(CH₂)_(n)—O—, —O(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)— or —O(CH₂(CHCH₃)O)_(n)— which connects two radicals of the formula (CCI) to one another, n is an integer from 1 to 16, or R²⁰⁰ and R²⁰⁵ together may form a three- or four-membered bridge, preferably such as —(CO)—(CH₂)₃—, —(CO)—CH₂—C(CH₃)₂—CH₂—, —(CO)—O—C(CH₃)₂—O— or —(CO)-o-C₆H₄—, X is S or N—R²⁰⁶, R²⁰⁶ and R²²⁷, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, R²⁰⁷ and R²⁰⁸, independently of one another, are hydroxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or C₆- to C₁₀-aryloxy, R²⁰⁹ and R²¹⁰, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, C₁- to C₁₆-alkylthio, NR²¹⁷R²¹⁸, C₆- to C₁₆-aryloxy, cyano, CO—OR²¹⁷, CO—NR²¹⁷R²¹⁸, NR²¹⁸—CO—R²¹⁹, NR²¹⁸—SO₂—R²¹⁹, and R²⁰⁹ is additionally hydrogen or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, R²¹¹ and R²¹², independently of one another, are hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or NR²¹⁸—CO—R²¹⁹, Het is benzothiazol-2-yl, benzoxazol-2-yl, benzimidazol-2-yl, thiazol-2-yl, 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 2- or 4-pyridyl, 2- or 4-quinolyl, pyrrol-2- or -3-yl, thiophen-2- or -3-yl, furan-2- or -3-yl, indol-2- or -3-yl, benzothiophen-2-yl, benzofuran-2-yl or 3,3-dimethylindolen-2-yl, which may be substituted by methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, chlorine, cyano, nitro, methoxycarbonyl, methylthio, dimethylamino, diethylamino or dipropylamino, Y, Y⁵ and Y⁶, independently of one another, are N or C—R²¹³, R²¹³ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₄-alkyl, cyano, CO—R²¹⁹, CO—O—R²¹⁷ or CO—NR²¹⁷R²¹⁸, R²¹⁴ and R²¹⁵, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, CO—R²¹⁹ or C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, or NR²¹⁴R²¹⁵ is pyrrolidino, piperidino or morpholino, R²¹⁶ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or NH—CO—R²¹⁹, R²¹⁷ and R²¹⁸, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₆-alkyl or C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, R²¹⁹ is C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, R²²⁰ to R²²², independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, where R²²⁰ and R²²¹, if they are in the 2-position to one another, may jointly form an —O—CH₂—O—, —O—CF₂—O—, —O—(CH₂)₂—O— or —O—(CH₂)₂— bridge, R²²³ is hydrogen or hydroxyl, R²²⁴ is hydrogen, halogen or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, R²²⁵ is hydrogen or halogen, y is an integer from 1 to 4, R²²⁶ is CHO, CN, CO—C₁- to C₈-alkyl, CO—C₆- to C₁₀-aryl or CH═C(CO—C₁- to C₈-alkyl)-CH₂—CO—C₁- to C₈-alkyl, and R²⁴⁸ and R²⁴⁹, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or C₆- to C₁₀-aryl or together are a —CH═CH—CH═CH— or o-C₆H₄—CH═CH—CH═CH— bridge, where the alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heterocyclic radicals may optionally carry further radicals, such as alkyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, CO—NH₂, alkoxy, trialkylsilyl, trialkylsiloxy or phenyl, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, the alkyl radicals may be partially or perhalogenated, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be ethoxylated or propoxylated or silylated, adjacent alkyl and/or alkoxy radicals on aryl or heterocyclic radicals may jointly form a three- or four-membered bridge, and the heterocyclic radicals may be benzo-fused. 7) Optical data carrier according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound is one of the following compounds:

in which R²²⁸ to R²³¹, independently of one another, are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, w is 1 or 2, R²³² is hydrogen, cyano, CO—O—C₁-to C₄-alkyl, C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, thiophen-2-yl, pyrid-2- or 4-yl, pyrazol-1-yl or 1,2,4-triazol-1- or -4-yl, R²³³ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, 1,2,3-triazol-2-yl or di-C₁- to C₁₆-alkylamino, R²³⁴ and R²³⁵ are hydrogen or together are a —CH═CH—CH═CH— bridge, R²³⁷ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or cyano, R²³⁸ and R²³⁹, independently of one another, are hydrogen, halogen, CO—C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, SO₂—C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or SO₂—NH—C₁- to C₁₆-alkylA⁺An⁻, A⁺ is N(C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl)₃ ⁺ or pyridinio, R²⁴⁰, R²⁴¹ and R²⁴³, independently of one another, are hydrogen, halogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or CO—O—C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, and R²⁴⁰ and R²⁴¹ are additionally —CH₂—A⁺An⁻, v is an integer from 1 to 3, where for v>1, the radicals may have different meanings, D is —CH═CH—, thiophen-2,5-diyl, furan-2,5-diyl or p-phenylene, Z is O, S or N—R²⁴⁴, W is N or CH, R²⁴² is hydrogen, cyano or CO—O—C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, z is 0 or 1, R²⁴⁴ and R²⁴⁵, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, An⁻ is an anion, Cat⁺ is Na⁺, Li⁺, NH₄ ⁺ or N(C₁- to C₁₂-alkyl)₄ ⁺, E is CH, C—CN or N, R²⁴⁶ and R²⁴⁷, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkylamino, C₁₋ to C₁₆-dialkylamino, anilino, morpholino, piperidino or pyrrolidino, where the alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heterocyclic radicals may optionally carry further radicals, such as alkyl, halogen, hydroxyalkyl, nitro, cyano, CO—NH₂, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl, trialkylsiloxy or phenyl, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, the alkyl radicals may be partially or perhalogenated, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be ethoxylated or propoxylated or silylated, adjacent alkyl and/or alkoxy radicals on aryl or heterocyclic radicals may jointly form a three- or four-membered bridge, and the heterocyclic radicals may be benzo-fused. 8) Optical data carrier according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound is one of the following compounds:

in which R³⁰⁰, R³⁰¹ and R³⁰³, independently of one another, are hydrogen or C₁ - to C₁₆-alkyl, m is an integer from 0 to 10, u is an integer from 1 to 3, where for u>1, the radicals may be different, R³⁰² is hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, R³⁰⁴ is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, di-C₁-C₈-alkylamines, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, R³⁰⁵ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, R³⁰⁶ and R³⁰⁷, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl or C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, or NR³⁰⁶R³⁰⁷ is morpholino, piperidino or pyrrolidino, R³⁰⁸ is C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, C₁- to C₁₆-alkylaminocarbonyl or C₁- to C₁₆-dialkylaminocarbonyl, R³⁰⁹ to R³¹⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen, C₆- to C₁₀-aryl, carboxyl, cyano, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, R³¹⁵ and R³¹⁶, independently of one another, are carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or cyano, or R³¹⁵ and R³¹⁶, together with the carbon atom connecting them, form a 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, R³¹⁷ to R³²⁴, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, hydrogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy, C₆- to C₁₀-aryloxy or cyano, where the alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heterocyclic radicals may optionally carry further radicals, such as alkyl, halogen, hydroxyalkyl, nitro, cyano, CO—NH₂, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, trialkylsilyl, trialkylsiloxy or phenyl, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, the alkyl radicals may be partially or perhalogenated, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be ethoxylated or propoxylated or silylated, adjacent alkyl and/or alkoxy radicals on aryl or heterocyclic radicals may jointly form a three- or four-membered bridge, and the heterocyclic radicals may be benzo-fused. 9) Optical data carrier according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light-absorbent compound is one of the following compounds:

in which R⁴⁰⁰ is hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₂-alkyl or C₁- to C₁₂-alkoxy, t is an integer from 1 to 3, where for t>1, the radicals may be different, R⁴⁰¹ and R⁴⁰², independently of one another, are hydrogen or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, R⁴⁰³ is hydrogen, C₆- to C₁₀-aryl or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, R⁴⁰⁴ and R⁴⁰⁵, independently of one another, are C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₆- to C₁₀-aryl or NR⁴⁰⁴R⁴⁰⁵ is morpholino, piperidino or pyrrolidino, R⁴⁰⁶ is hydrogen, cyano, nitro, carboxyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxy or C₁- to C₁₆-alkoxycarbonyl, R⁴⁰⁷ and R⁴⁰⁸, independently of one another, are hydrogen or C₁- to C₁₆-alkyl, where the alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heterocyclic radicals may optionally carry further radicals, such as alkyl, halogen, hydroxyalkyl, nitro, cyano, CO—NH₂, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, or phenyl, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be straight-chain or branched, the alkyl radicals may be partially or perhalogenated, the alkyl and alkoxy radicals may be ethoxylated or propoxylated or silylated, adjacent alkyl and/or alkoxy radicals on aryl or heterocyclic radicals may jointly form a three- or four-membered bridge, and the heterocyclic radicals may be benzo-fused. 10) Use of light-absorbent compounds in the information layer of write-once optical data carriers, where the light-absorbent compounds have an absorption maximum λ_(max1) of from 340 to 410 nm and the wavelength λ_(1/2), at which the absorbance on the long-wave edge of the absorption maximum of the wavelength λ_(max1) is half the absorbance value at λ_(max1), and the wavelength λ_(1/10), at which the absorbance on the long-wave edge of the absorption maximum of wavelength λ_(max1) is a tenth of the absorbance value at λ_(max1), i.e. λ_(1/2) and λ_(1/10) both jointly lie in the wavelength range from 370 to 460 nm. 11) Process for the production of an optical data carrier according to claim 1, which is characterized in that a preferably transparent substrate, which has optionally already been coated with a reflection layer, is coated with the light-absorbent compounds, if desired in combination with suitable binders and additives and, if desired, suitable solvents, and is, if desired, provided with a reflection layer, further interlayers and, if desired, a protective layer or a further substrate or a cover layer. 